He was sincere. I’d know it if he wasn’t.

Despite my unsettled thoughts, I scoff. “That’s rich coming from you.”

“Which means I know what I’m talking about. Do you know how many times I witnessed him bullshit someone? He’d tell them exactly what they wanted to hear, and they’d fall right into his palm.”

He was Sam’s boyfriend for so long. What am I doing even thinking of taking up with Macon? It violates sister code. Ex-boyfriends are definitely off limits. Especially Macon. I was the third wheel in their relationship; most of the time, I was their enemy, the outlier in their united front of all things anti-Delilah.

The writhing feeling within takes a nauseating turn, and I gulp down juice.

A sigh gusts from her end of the phone. “I’m sorry that you ended up in this position. I truly didn’t realize you’d do this for me.”

“I did it for Mama,” I say automatically, my voice wooden. I feel as hollow and brittle as an old log. My lips feel numb.

“Whatever the case,” she says, tossing the distinction away. “I’m sorry. But you texted that you like Macon. Don’t. He’s never cared for you. Did you forget about prom?”

I hadn’t forgotten. I just didn’t want to think about that anymore. But the girl in me? She’s curling in on herself, Sam’s reminders burning through the skin like so much acid. I don’t want to believe Sam. I want to believe in Macon.

“If he’s acting kind,” Sam says, “it’s to keep you happy and in your place.”

Funny thing is, she might as well be talking about herself. That knowledge depresses me. “He’s not that good of an actor, Sam. You forget, I know him too. Maybe not as well as you do . . .” Everything in me screams out that it’s not true; I do know him better. But is that truth or vanity talking? “I know when he’s bullshitting and when he’s not.”

“What exactly is going on between you two?” Suspicion laces her voice.

I don’t tell her about last night, the kissing, the growing attraction. I don’t tell her about getting closer to Macon or the way he’s opening up to me. It would feel like a betrayal. At some point, my loyalties have shifted.

“A working arrangement.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue. We’re more than that. More. “Given the circumstances, Macon has been really good about everything.”

God, if only that point would sink into my head too. Stupid insecurities. Stupid Sam for stirring them up.